This lot (along with Lots 33-36 in this auction) holds a story that is almost too good to be true. In June 1933, a collector wrote a letter to Ty Cobb seeking his autograph on three special baseballs — two already signed by Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig in the mid 1920's, and another having been signed by Walter Johnson, Tris Speaker and others around that time. The Georgia Peach responded with two handwritten letters in December 1934 and graciously signed his name to all three baseballs. The 1st Cobb letter (Lot 33) agreed to comply and explained why there was such a long delay (outdated address). The collector (whose father-in-law founded Gilbert Chocolates in 1900, a popular chain of candy stores throughout the Midwest) then mailed the three baseballs to Cobb and enticed him with some Gilbert Chocolates candy. Cobb signed each ball and returned them with a 2nd letter (presented in this lot) that thanked him for the candy and offered advice on how to preserve the signatures using Shellac. The collector took Cobb's advice and now, over 80 years later, his grandson has decided to consign the three immaculately preserved multi-signed balls (Lots 34-36) to this auction. Known for being brash and outspoken, Ty Cobb showed a rare thoughtful side to his personality with this gesture. Perhaps the history books need to add "sweet tooth", "memorabilia preservation expert" and "not such a bad guy after all" to his bio.
This letter, dated "Dec-18-34" at the top, is handwritten by Cobb in beautiful penmanship. It comes in black ink on his personal 7 1/8" by 10 3/8" letterhead with a stamped header "TYRUS R. COBB - BOX 265 - MENLO PARK - CALIFORNIA." Cobb has signed his full name at the bottom in 8-9/10 boldness. The letter reads:
"Dear Mr. Wickwire: - The baseballs and candy arrived O.K. and the balls have been autographed and are returning to you properly signed as you requested. I note some names are fading and wish to suggest you cut out a piece of paper the size of each autograph and use as a part of stencil and shellac each name which will preserve it and in this way you can fill in with other names on unused portions of ball. I want you to know I appreciate your thought and kindness in sending candy and am sure the children and all of us will enjoy it. Thanking you and with kindest regards. Yours sincerely, Ty Cobb."
Includes a detailed Letter of Provenance from John Wickwire, grandson of J.S. Wickwire who wrote to Ty Cobb in 1933 and originally received the letters and baseballs. A copy of the other Cobb handwritten letter (Lot 33) will also be included.
Full LOA from PSA.